Will you ever emerge from the winter of chronic illness?
Acceptance the path to growth…
when you have a chronic illness (or want to prevent one)
(Photo from Unsplash)
Signs of spring are appearing all around the natural world. There’s a feeling of hope in the air. The long winter is drawing to a close, days getting longer, blossom appearing on the trees and shoots pricking up through the cold earth.
Who would have thought that in the still, stark, barren winter, so much activity was going on beneath the surface? Who would have guessed that so much was happening behind the scenes!
In the world of Chronic pain and illness, it may feel like you are living in a perpetual winter.
The winter of your symptoms, which often includes depression and anxiety, can seem endless and without respite.
However, we can emerge from the winter of our mind and body symptoms IF we choose to adopt the path of the wise who have gone before; this is the path of acceptance and growth.
‘Acceptance!’ I hear you cry ‘but I’m a fighter, are you telling me to give in?’
No, acceptance does not equal resignation.
However the truth is that we add extra layers to our pains and difficulties by resisting, fighting or trying to avoid them.
This is so true of chronic symptoms but also applies to any unwanted circumstances in your life. Just think about the last time you tensed up or worried in apprehension of something fearful occurring. Think about what you did the last time you didn't want to feel your pain.
What you resist persists. What you run from eventually runs you. What you face and allow no longer shackles you down.
Here's a Journal exercise:
Grab your notebook and pen and ask yourself these questions:
How do I protect myself from experiencing X (your unwanted symptoms or situation)
How do I resist experiencing X (your unwanted symptoms or situation)
What is the result of doing that?
What would happen if, just for this moment, I allowed X to be as it is, and instead focussed on what I can change?
Pain is inevitable but with acceptance; or the willingness to allow what is unwanted and direct our energy helpfully; suffering becomes an option
It doesn't come instantly, it's a process. Paradoxically this approach may make your path to healing smoother and swifter.
“Give yourself permission to allow this moment to be exactly as it is, and allow yourself to be exactly as you are.”
— Jon Kabat-Zinn